Should you kiss your cat?

I have a confession to make: I kiss my cats–and quite regularly. I also have been known to kiss a couple of cute dogs. And when I was young and foolish, I kissed several handsome men who seemed like Prince Charmings but in reality were total toads (I apologize to real toads for maligning them in this way. Real toads are very nice creatures to have hopping around the garden.) Anyway, back to kissing cats….

I think cat kissing is cool. So do many other people who are kitty- owned. Even Dr. Marty Becker, the famed veterinarian who wrote “The Healing Power of Pets,” says he often kisses his cat and dog patients after office visits. Dr. Becker wrote a column about this practice recently on www.vetstreet.com. But he also admitted that his attitude is controversial. Some vets are very much against it. And granted, it’s possible to pick up bacteria and germs. However, according to most experts, contracting serious stuff is rare. Therefore, all things considered–well, maybe it’s best not to worry too much and simply enjoy close encounters of the furry kind.

But it doesn’t hurt to be wise. Don’t kiss kitty on the mouth or the tip of the nose because you know where nose and mouth have been. I recommend the top of the furry head. And don’t kiss kitty or canine while the animal is in deep sleep. This can startle the pet . Martha Stewart tried it with her dog a little while back. Slumbering dog, thinking he was being attacked, awakened with a start and a growl and gave Martha a nasty nip that required many stitches. So, until you’re sure your sweetheart will both appreciate and understand an extravagant display of affection, proceed with caution–which, come to think about it, is pretty good advice to heed even if the love of your life doesn’t wear a fur coat.